Child Family Health International

Child Family Health International (CFHI), a United Nations-recognized non-profit organization, is a distinguished leader in Global Health experiential learning for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate trainees. The organization has been providing standard-setting, ethical, sustainable, Fair-Trade global health opportunities through community-based study abroad programs for over 30 years. CFHI has received awards such as the Diversity Abroad Award of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE)’s Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leader in Experiential Education: Community-Based Organization, and the Great Nonprofits Top Rated Award. CFHI actively participates in and collaborates with industry and professional organizations, including the Forum on Education Abroad, NAFSA, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Global Health Council, and Health Information for All (HIFA), among others.

Dates: In-person programs are available from January to August, typically starting the first Saturday of every month. Virtual programs are offered from January to November, typically starting the first Monday of every month. Alternate dates may be available upon request for some programs.
Length of rotation: Four to sixteen weeks
Locations: Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Uganda
Student level: M1s-M4s and other health science students including undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate; MPH students may apply for fulfill their field experience requirement by participating in a CFHI program
- CFHI sites available for MPH field experiences can be found on this page.
How to apply: First, complete the Institute for Global Health online application, then wait for approval and instructions for completing the CFHI partner application.
Areas of focus: Public Health, Primary Health Care, Hospital & Inpatient Medicine, Global Health Nursing, Pediatrics & Child Health, Maternal & Reproductive Health, Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Planetary Health, Traditional & Indigenous Medicine, End of Life & Palliative Care, Ophthalmology, Nutrition & Food Security

Program Details

CFHI offers community-based global health education programs, which emphasize the knowledge local medical experts have to offer and fosters long-term reciprocal relationships. CFHI and the Institute for Global Health have partnered together to engage Feinberg MD and health science students in Global Health Education experiences. CFHI has more than 30 programs in 10 countries that offer transformative perspectives about global health.

In this program, you will join local healthcare professionals and learn about various health topics. The primary learning objectives and desired competencies to be developed during CFHI programs center around developing a deep understanding of the country's health realities, healthcare systems, burden of disease, morbidity and mortality within the patient populations encountered, develop and refine their own intercultural humility and communication skills when working with individuals from other cultures and backgrounds, and deepen their commitment to global health ethics and best practices. Learn more about Child Family Health International's program offerings.

Accommodations

Depending on the program, students may stay in apartments, dormitories, guesthouses, or homestay families. Host families provide students with a unique opportunity to be immersed in the local culture. In Latin America, they are a great way to improve Spanish language skills. There are generally one to two students per home-stay and two meals per day are included. All housing is thoroughly vetted to meet CFHI's safety standards.

Fees

Please refer to CFHI’s website for the most up-to-date information about program fees. Students may apply for Global Health Experience funding to cover these program fees.

CFHI Program fees include the majority of your on the ground costs. As a nonprofit, CFHI strives to keep fees low and offers fundraising opportunities, scholarships and discounts. Uniquely, 60%-80% of CFHI student program fees go directly to the communities they will be visiting.

Pre-Departure Support

Program advising and support via email, phone, and web meeting from CFHI’s Central Leadership team
Detailed online Pre-Departure Training that includes modules on program logistics (flights, visas, immunizations, and more), intercultural learning, introduction to health realities at your program site, and much more.

On-Site Services

Airport pick-up upon arrival and transportation with a local CFHI representative to your program lodging
Welcome orientation 1-2 days after arrival covering safety, transportation, and other logistics

15-40 hours of Spanish classes and cultural activities (in Latin American countries and depending on program)
CFHI Local Team that provides instruction, logistical support, and 24/7 emergency response
Meetings and lectures with local experts.
Placement and coordination of clinical and any public health activities (if relevant)
Accommodation and two meals per day

Local cell phone or support obtaining a local SIM card
International emergency medical and evacuation insurance

Post-Return Resources

Opportunities to engage as a CFHI Alumni Ambassador, reviewing scholarship applications, speaking on CFHI panels, and more
CFHI alumni newsletter highlighting events, professional development opportunities, resources, and ways to stay involved

Evaluations

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